AusLeisure

With Australians undertaking a variety of fitness activities to achieve their New Year fitness goals, iFLY Downunder indoor skydiving is suggesting indoor skydiving as a way to burn calories and stimulate muscle groups.

The operators of the Penrith, NSW attraction are highlighting research form the UK (conducted by Airkix Indoor Skydiving last year) that shows indoor skydiving as an adrenaline fuelled, total body workout working as many muscles as swimming. 

Showing the positive impact on core strength and mental health, the findings identified that an instructor who spends 2.5 to 3 hours a day in the tunnel was during that time burning up to 1,980 calories.

Findings based on 26 minutes in the vertical wind tunnel;

• 326 calories were burned (equivalent to a medium fries at McDonalds)
• All muscles groups were used while maintaining a good strong body position in 110 miles per hour winds (equivalent to swimming)
• Approximately 1.2 kilometres was travelled based on his movement in the tunnel (if s/he was to run this distance fewer calories would be burnt)
• Heart rate rose to 64 beats per minute to an average of 139 bpm whilst in the tunnel providing a good high intensity cardio vascular workout.

Personal trainer Karen Lem, of Vivo-shapehealthlife, who analysed the results of the test, explains “when comparing the muscles used in indoor skydiving to other supports,  swimming is certainly the closest. 

“Both require arm and leg movement and a strong core to work against the water and air resistance, meaning swimmers could easily bring indoor skydiving in as part of their training regime and vice versa.”

Indoor Skydiving works the complete range of muscles in all three ways:

• Concentric/eccentric – an action similar to lifting weights and other resistance methods
• Isometric – keeping a stable position of the muscle for toning
• Dynamic – rapid powerful plyometric movements, such as springing up

Lem also explains the the additional health benefits of indoor skydiving.

Core health
“The total muscular workout is the ideal permutation for core strength. 

“The body’s core gives general skeleton support. Posture and poor control of the skeleton from lack of core strength can lead to numerous injuries, especially in the lower back. 

“As an office worker, watching TV and sitting in the car for long periods of time becomes the norm for many, we are falling victim to weak glutes, tight hamstrings and short hip flexors.

“The core control required for indoor skydiving come from having to manipulate the core – diaphragm, pelvic floor, abdominal internal and external obliques and transverse abdominal muscles in order to change direction and height in the wind tunnel. The form of body control is directly comparable to Pilates, and perhaps could take over as the new fitness trend?”

Mental health
“The activity can also do wonders not only for physical, but mental health as the adrenaline produced from the rush of flying in 110km/h winds sets off endorphins within the body. “This ‘feel good’ hormone gives us a blast of excitement but also a sense of self-worth. Over time, this becomes addictive and something you need to have in your body.”

Lem concludes “this total body workout which incorporates the latest scientific research into short burst, high intensity interval training (HIIT) is beneficial for calorie expenditure, muscle toning and weight loss. 

“Science apart, the thrill, and rush of adrenalin that indoor skydiving gives ... is great for mental health – and the uncontrollable smiles as a result give the facial muscles a workout too… a combination not matched by many other sports.”

iFLY Downunder Indoor Skydiving is Australia’s first purpose-built vertical wind tunnel. Originally designed for skydivers to practice in any weather, indoor skydiving has now become a very popular sport and adventure attraction.

For more information go to www.iflydownunder.com.au

1st July 2014 - IFLY DOWNUNDER FULLY OPERATIONAL IN PENRITH

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